Being charged with a crime

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Overview

If you’re charged with a crime you’ll be given a ‘charge sheet’. This sets out the details of the crime you’re being charged with.

The police will decide if you:

  • can be released from police custody until the court hearing - but you might have to follow certain rules, known as ‘bail’
  • are kept in police custody until you’re taken to court for your hearing

Your first court hearing after you’re charged with a crime will be at a magistrates’ court - even if your trial will be at a Crown Court later on.

If you’re charged with a minor offence your case could be decided without going to court (‘single justice procedure’). If you get a single justice procedure notice you must respond within 21 days.

There are different rules if you’re charged with a crime in Scotland or charged with a crime in Northern Ireland.

Young people

If you’re under 18, your first hearing will usually be at a youth court.

If you’re under 17, the police must arrange for you to be held in local authority accommodation, if possible, before you go to court.

If you’re aged 12 to 16, the police can decide to keep you at the police station if they think it will protect the public.